Habitat Sweet Habitat: King, Milk & Corn Snakes

Setting up a habitat for your new king, milk or corn snake? Here’s what you need to know.

Choosing a Habitat

King and milk snakes must be housed individually, however corn snakes can be housed with others of the same species.

Adult king, milk and corn snakes require a terrarium 20-40 gallons in size or larger. A smaller habitat may be used for juveniles. It should be large enough to fit a hide house, a water dish for soaking, as well as décor for hiding and climbing.

A shorter, wider cage is recommended to provide more surface area.

There should be a hiding spot at both the cool and warm sides of the habitat.

Ensure the habitat is fitted with a secure screened top to prevent escape.

Heating & Lighting

A temperature gradient (warm side/cool side) habitat must be provided so your snake can regulate his temperature.

The habitat should be equipped with two thermometers; one on the cool side and one on the warm side.

During the daytime, the cool side should have an ambient temperature of 70-75°F (21-24°C), and the warm side should be 80-85°F (26-29°C).

Nighttime temperature should be 65-70°F (18-21°C).

An under-tank heater, blue daylight, red infrared and/or ceramic heat emitter can be used to supplement the heat if necessary, especially at night if the temperature is low.

Ensure you install the under-tank heater on the designated warm side of the habitat.

King, milk and corn snakes should have medium/low humidity (30-50%).

A hygrometer should be installed in the habitat to monitor the humidity level.

King, milk and corn snakes are nocturnal (most active at night) and as a result do not require ultraviolet light, however a consistent light-dark cycle (12 hours of light) must be provided.

For night viewing you can use a night-specific bulb.

Décor & Substrate

Decorative rocks, branches and plants can be used in the habitat to add a personal touch.

Hiding spots should be available in both the cool and warm sides of the habitat.

A water dish large enough for your snake to soak in should be provided and it should be shallow enough so that it doesn’t tip over.

King, milk and corn snakes should be kept on 2” of Aspen bedding specifically sold for small pets, or on reptile carpet.

Substrate should be spot cleaned daily and completely changed at least once a month.